How to Become Rich

Most of my life I've dreamed about being rich.  Ever since I can remember I've always wanted to have enough money to burn... literally.  Over the years the definition of being rich has changed from Richie Rich, to P-Diddy rich to Bill Gates rich and lots of places in between.  Many of those in between places had more to do with having a rich soul vs. a fat wallet.  Depending on what was going on in my life at the time, I would stop and realize that money really wasn't all that important in the grand scheme of things. 


This is something I believe now more than ever.  The last year of my life has been filled with difficult lessons and financial hardship.  As a result, I've furthered my education on the value of money compared to the value of love, life and happiness.  And in case you're wondering, there's no comparison.  Money isn't worth nearly as much.


Despite these lessons or confirmations of my thoughts on wealth, my definition of being rich has changed once more.  This time it's changed forever.  Because now when I think of money, I'm going to think about "becoming Rich."


In my last blog I mentioned the loss of a co-worker and friend.  His name was Rich Conklin.  To me, he was a good guy who always kept a smile and seemed to enjoy life.  Even his work voicemail said "You've reached Rich Conklin with AT&T and I hope you're loving life."  Hearing it the first time caught me off guard.  I was surprised he had such a casual, friendly sounding voicemail.  I've known corporate America to be very stuffy at times so this was refreshing that no one in the company had asked him to change it.  I was also caught off guard by the wonderful positive tone in his voice.  Hearing it just made you smile.  My first message to Rich complimented him on the best voicemail I'd ever heard.


In addition to being a great guy with nice smile, it was evident Rich was dedicated to his family.  Nearly every time we went on sales appointments together he received a call from his wife, kids or someone having to do with them.  Over time I saw more of the bond they shared and wrote him an email before he left for treatment in Mexico.  I told him that "I didn't have kids but if I did... I would want to have a family exactly like him." 


It's a shame it took his funeral to show me just how right I was.  There were approximately 1000 people in attendance to pay their respects and say goodbye.  I've never been to a funeral that large.  It was amazing to see the amount of people who had been touched by him.  As we filed in to get a seat there were slide shows playing on large screens showing Rich coaching football and soccer, doing things with his family and as always, smiling. 


In addition to many kids and young adults coached by him, there were members of the community, members of church, co-workers and or course, his family.  He grew up in a large family having three brothers and three sisters (I can't even imagine).  The three brothers took turns speaking and entertaining the audience with stories of Rich from their childhood to their current relationship with his wife and kids.  Watching this was more than emotional for me, it made me take a look at my childhood, my brother and my parents.  Unfortunately our family doesn't even come close to the kind of bond the Conklin's shared.  I only wish we did.


It was evident the siblings stayed close even as they grew older and started families of their own.  They talked about holidays, get-togethers and playing sports with one another.  It reminded me of the current TV show Parenthood.  They made family gatherings look fun. 


One of the brothers talked about the "bucket list" he and Rich made as the cancer began to take its toll.  This particular brother had connections with NFL coaches, college teams and resorts.  Wouldn't everyone want a brother like that?  He talked about the trips they made to the Eagles game and locker room, visits at colleges and school games, and a great vacation at the Atlantis Resort.  Unless I completely missed what he was saying, this brother had the connections and income to treat Rich and his family.  So, he did.  How many families give that freely, that unconditionally?  Even in times of despair or hardship, I don't know many that would.


The brothers were a follow-up to Rich's son and daughter.  I don't know how they did it, but both of them spoke in front of everyone about the love they had for their dad.  As you can imagine tears were either falling or being held back by all.  Personally, I was a wreck inside.  I don't have the exact words to quote but his son said something like this:  "I was blessed to have a great dad who made me what I am today.  I know everyone says their dad is great, but I can say with 100% certainty... he was."  This was only a small part of what Christian said but for me, the most meaningful.  It meant so much because it took me back to the email I sent Rich.  I knew right then, that if I was ever a dad, that's what I would want my son to say and feel.  Christian's words could be interpreted on so many levels.  My take was that in their world, dads are great.  Probably his cousins and friends think the same of their father.  But the reality is, not all dads are great.  Many are from it.  And even fewer come close to being Rich.


Christian and his sister Morgan both talked about their father's legacy.  Each said that all he wanted was to be known "as Christian and Morgan's dad."  How impressive is that?  Does it mean that Rich didn't aspire to do more in his life?  No, I hardly think so.  It just goes back (again) to show what was most important to him.  His family was everything.


I'm pretty sure I won't have a chance to compare myself with Rich as a dad.... except to Chewy.  I never planned on having kids.  At this point I'd be a very old man attending Raylan's graduation (yes, I'd name him after the guy on Justified).  But I can be a father-figure to kids and young adults that I come in contact with.  I can try and teach someone right from wrong.  I surely could save them from doing the dumb things I did.  If nothing else, I can promise to give them a smile.


Whether or not I'll even get these opportunities remains to be seen.  But there are many things I can take from Rich to better myself.  For starters I can "love life".  I told my wife a few weeks ago at the gym that not every workout is a great workout, but all workouts are good.  The same philosophy should carry over to everyday life.  Not every day is going to be great, but all of them can be good... and they should be.  I can try to have the impact Rich had on so many people.  Even impacting a tenth of what he did would be quite an accomplishment.  I can be a great husband and value the time we spend together.  I can brighten the day of those around me by remaining positive.  Oh, there are many things I can do.  These are only a few that would help me become Rich. 


I challenge you to get rich too.


Best wishes,


-Pete